U.S. patent application number 12/972881 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for multimedia device and method for controlling operation thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.. Invention is credited to Byeong-cheol HWANG, Ho-ik HWANG, Soo-hyun LEE, Joon-ho WON.
Application Number | 20110160884 12/972881 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44188477 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110160884 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HWANG; Ho-ik ; et
al. |
June 30, 2011 |
MULTIMEDIA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION THEREOF
Abstract
A multimedia apparatus and a method for controlling operations
thereof are provided. The multimedia apparatus includes an input
unit for receiving a selection signal, a sensing unit for sensing
disposition of the multimedia apparatus, and a controller for, if
the selection signal is input, performing different operations
depending on the disposition. Accordingly, various operations of
the multimedia apparatus may be controlled by simple
manipulation.
Inventors: |
HWANG; Ho-ik; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; LEE; Soo-hyun; (Seoul, KR) ; HWANG;
Byeong-cheol; (Seoul, KR) ; WON; Joon-ho;
(Suwon-si, KR) |
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
44188477 |
Appl. No.: |
12/972881 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/94 ; 340/4.4;
726/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0346 20130101;
G06F 3/023 20130101; G11B 20/00137 20130101; G06F 3/038 20130101;
G06F 3/0219 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/94 ; 726/16;
340/4.4 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00; H04L 9/32 20060101 H04L009/32; G06F 7/00 20060101
G06F007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0130849 |
Claims
1. A multimedia apparatus, the apparatus comprising: an input unit
for receiving a selection signal; a sensing unit for sensing
disposition of the multimedia apparatus; and a controller for, if
the selection signal is input, performing different operations
depending on the disposition.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at
least one button, wherein the input unit receives at least one of a
user's motion of pressing the at least one button and a user's
motion of touching the at least one button as the selection
signal.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input unit
receives a user's motion of shaking the multimedia apparatus as the
selection signal.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an
authentication unit for performing authentication of a user using
the user's identification information if the selection signal is
input.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit
includes a sensor for sensing at least one of a change in an
azimuth angle and a change in a gradient of the multimedia
apparatus.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the performing of
different operations comprises at least one of controlling power,
controlling a play or a stop, controlling a volume, controlling a
change in a play list, controlling a play mode, controlling a
change of a folder, and controlling a setting.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a
storage unit for storing information regarding mapping between the
sensed disposition and the operations.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller
performs the operations using the mapping information stored in the
storage unit.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mapping
information is changeable by a user, and further wherein the
mapping information changed by the user is stored in the storage
unit.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a
communication interface unit for performing wired or wireless
communication with an external apparatus and for transmitting data
for outputting the operations as at least one of an audio signal
and a video signal to an earphone that communicates with the
multimedia apparatus.
11. A method for controlling an operation of a multimedia
apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a selection signal;
sensing disposition of the multimedia apparatus; and if the
selection signal is input, performing different operations
depending on the disposition.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the receiving of the
selection signal comprises receiving at least one of a user's
motion of pressing the at least one button and a user's motion of
touching the at least one button as the selection signal.
13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the receiving of the
selection signal comprises receiving a user's motion of shaking the
multimedia apparatus as the selection signal.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
performing authentication of a user using the user's identification
information if the selection signal is input.
15. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sensing of the
disposition comprises including a sensor that senses at least one
of a change in an azimuth angle and a change in a gradient of the
multimedia apparatus.
16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the performing of
the different operations comprises performing different operations
including at least one of controlling power, controlling a play or
a stop, controlling a volume, controlling a change in a play list,
controlling a play mode, controlling a change of a folder, and
controlling a setting.
17. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: storing
information regarding mapping between the sensed disposition and
the operations.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the performing of
the different operations comprises performing the operations using
the stored mapping information.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the mapping
information is changeable by a user, and further wherein the
mapping information changed by the user is stored.
20. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
performing wired or wireless communication with an external
apparatus, wherein the performing of the wired or wireless
communication comprises transmitting data for outputting the
operations as audio or video to an earphone which communicates with
the multimedia apparatus.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 24, 2009 and assigned Serial
No. 10-2009-0130849, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a multimedia device and a
method for controlling operations thereof. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a multimedia device which uses various
sensors and a method for controlling an operation thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, as digital convergence technology is distributed
worldwide, a multimedia apparatus having the functions of various
apparatuses such as a Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) Audio
Layer 3 (MP3) player, a Personal Media Player (PMP), a camera, and
a cellular phone has emerged.
[0006] However, such a multimedia apparatus that performs various
functions together may cause unexpected inconvenience to a user due
to its limited battery capacity, limited size, its weight, or
difficulty in its manipulation.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a multimedia apparatus that
performs only an original function of a mobile device such as an
MP3 player, a PMP, and the like. In addition, there have been
various attempts to make the multimedia apparatus compact and
aesthetically attractive through its design so that the multimedia
apparatus may also function as a useful accessory and thereby
increase its demand in the market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An aspect of the present invention is to address at least
the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at
least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the
present invention is to provide a multimedia apparatus which may
control various operations through simple manipulation and a method
for controlling the operations thereof.
[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
multimedia apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an input
unit for receiving a user's selection signal, a sensing unit for
sensing disposition of the multimedia apparatus, and a controller
for, if the selection signal is input, performing different
operations depending on the disposition.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a method for controlling an operation of a multimedia apparatus is
provided. The method includes receiving a selection signal, sensing
disposition of the multimedia apparatus, and, if the selection
signal is input, performing different operations depending on the
disposition.
[0011] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with
the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of
certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a multimedia apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2A to 2C are views to explain a multimedia apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a view to explain operation of a sensing unit
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 4A to 4B are views to explain various operations
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view to explain operations of a display unit and
an audio output unit corresponding to various operations of a
multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 6A to 6B are views to explain an operation principal
of a multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a view to explain an order of reproducing
multimedia data according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIGS. 8 and 9 are views illustrating an example of an
application of an external apparatus for setting or changing
various operations of a multimedia apparatus according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 10A to 10B illustrate other examples of an application
of an external apparatus to set or change various operations of a
multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 11A to 11B are views illustrating various exemplary
implementations of a multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
an operation of a multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like
reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements,
features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The following description with reference to the accompanying
drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of
exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and
their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist
in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely
exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments
described herein can be made without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions
and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0026] The terms and words used in the following description and
claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are
merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent
understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent
to those skilled in the art that the following description of
exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for
illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0027] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component
surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a multimedia apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a multimedia apparatus 100 comprises an
input unit 105, at least one button 110, an authentication unit
115, a sensor 120, a controller 130, a multimedia data processor
140, a storage unit 150, a communication interface unit 160, a
display unit 170, and an audio output unit 180.
[0030] The input unit 105 receives a selection signal of a
user.
[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the input unit 105 may
receive a selection signal which may include a user's motion of
shaking the multimedia apparatus 100. To do so, the input unit 105
may receive a selection signal of the user's motion using various
sensors such as a vibration sensor.
[0032] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the input
unit 105 may receive a user's selection signal through the at least
one button 110 disposed in one portion of the multimedia apparatus
100. Specifically, the input unit 105 may receive a selection
signal which is the user's motion of pressing the at least one
button 110 or touching the at least one button 110. In this case,
the at least one button 110 may be embodied as a tactile button or
a touch button.
[0033] The input unit 105 may also receive a user's selection
signal using various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a shock
sensor, a pressure sensor, and a finger print sensor.
[0034] If the input unit 105 receives a user's selection signal,
the authentication unit 115 performs authentication of the user
using the user identification information. The user's selection
signal may be input to the input unit 105 using a specific part of
the user's body, for example, a finger may touch the multimedia
apparatus 100. Accordingly, the authentication unit 115 may perform
authentication of the user by recognizing (or sensing) the user
identification information such as finger print, temperature and
body odor. In order to perform such authentication, the user
identification information may be pre-stored in the storage unit
150 which will be explained later.
[0035] The sensor 120 senses disposition and orientation of the
multimedia apparatus 100. In addition, the sensor 120 senses at
least one of a change in azimuth angle and a change in gradient of
the multimedia apparatus 100. The sensor 120 may include various
sensors such as a two-axis sensor, a three-axis sensor, a six-axis
sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The
sensing operation of the sensor 120 will be explained in greater
detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0036] The controller 130 performs control operations for the
device.
[0037] More specifically, if a user's selection signal is input,
the controller 130 performs different operations depending on
disposition of the multimedia apparatus 100.
[0038] The operations performed by the controller 130 may include
at least one of controlling the application of power, controlling
the executing or stopping of file, controlling the volume,
controlling a change in a play list, controlling a play mode,
controlling the changing of folder, controlling settings, and the
like.
[0039] The multimedia data processing unit 140 may perform various
processes such as reproducing or displaying multimedia data of
various audio files having extensions such as Motion Pictures
Experts Group (MPEG) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) and Waveform Audio Format
(WAV), various image files having extensions such as Graphics
Interchange Format (GIF) and Joint Photographic Group (JPG), or
various video files having extensions such as Joint Photographic
Experts Group (JPEG), MPEG-4 (MP4), and Audio Video Interleave
(AVI).
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the multimedia data processing
unit 140 may be included in the controller 130.
[0041] The storage unit 150 may store various multimedia data. In
this case, the storage unit 150 may include at least one stratified
folder. The storage unit 150 may store a play list of multimedia
data which is preset by a user. If the storage unit 150 is
connected to an external apparatus, the storage unit 150 may store
an execution program to install an application for setting or
changing various settings of the multimedia apparatus 100 in the
external apparatus automatically.
[0042] In addition, the storage unit 150 stores information
regarding a mapping between disposition of the sensed multimedia
apparatus 100 and an operation performed by the controller 130.
[0043] Herein, the mapping information represents operation
information which is mapped according to each direction of the
multimedia apparatus 100, so that the multimedia apparatus 100 may
perform different operations depending on each direction of up,
down, left, right, front, and back of the multimedia apparatus
100.
[0044] The controller 130 may perform various operations as
described above using mapping information stored in the storage
unit 150.
[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, mapping information
regarding basic operations such as playing and stopping is
pre-stored in the storage unit 150 when the multimedia apparatus
100 is released and provided to a user. However, if operations
corresponding to disposition of the sensed multimedia apparatus 100
have not been set, a user may designate operations corresponding to
disposition of the sensed multimedia apparatus 100. For example,
the user may designate operations corresponding to disposition of
the sensed multimedia apparatus 100 in a control window of an
external apparatus (not shown). As such, mapping information may be
changed by the user, and the changed mapping information may be
stored in the storage unit 150.
[0046] The communication interface unit 160 may perform wired or
wireless communication with an external apparatus (not shown).
[0047] For example, the communication interface unit 160 may have a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface and perform wired
communication with an external apparatus using the USB interface.
In addition, the communication interface unit 160 may perform
wireless communication with an external apparatus (not shown)
through various communication protocols such as Zigbee and
Blutooth.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, an external apparatus (not
shown) may be an earphone that is able to perform wired or wireless
communication with the multimedia apparatus 100, or a host PC or a
web server that is able to change setting information of the
multimedia apparatus 100 and provide updates to various multimedia
files.
[0049] The communication interface unit 160 may transmit data for
an outputting operation, performed by the controller 130, such as
audio or video data provided to an earphone that communicates with
the multimedia apparatus 100.
[0050] Accordingly, the earphone that performs wired/wireless
communication with the multimedia apparatus 100 may display an
operation being performed on a display screen (not shown) or may
notify of an operation being performed as audio through an audio
output unit (not shown).
[0051] The display unit 170 displays an image file while an audio
file is being reproduced, or displays a video file. In addition,
the display unit 170 may display information regarding the state of
an operation being performed by the controller 130.
[0052] The multimedia apparatus 100, according to an exemplary
embodiment, may display at least one icon in a Light Emitting Diode
(LED) display area for displaying an operation state, may display
at least one icon outside of the LED display area, and the LED
display area may be the display unit 170.
[0053] The audio output unit 180 outputs an operation performed by
the controller 130 as audio. The audio output unit 180 may be
embodied as an amplifier or a speaker.
[0054] The multimedia apparatus 100 may be an audio reproducing
apparatus such as an MP3 player, but this is only an example. The
multimedia apparatus 100 may be any of various apparatuses which
perform various functions along with an audio reproducing function,
such as an MP4 player, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a
Personal Media Player (PMP), a cellular phone, a navigator, and the
like.
[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the multimedia
apparatus 100 may be provided having a small size, thus stimulating
the purchasing desire of a user by emphasizing a visual aesthetic
sense.
[0056] Since the multimedia apparatus 100 has a small size similar
to the size of a USB memory, the multimedia apparatus 100 may be
provided with multimedia data from an external apparatus like a
cellular phone without being connected to a user PC.
[0057] FIGS. 2A to 2C are views to explain a multimedia apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2A, a multimedia apparatus may have a
shape similar to a six-sided lump sugar, and may include an LED
that displays state information in one of the six sides.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2B, a multimedia apparatus may include a
single button in one of the six sides, and a user's selection
signal may be input to the multimedia apparatus by a motion of
pressing or touching the single button.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 2C, a multimedia apparatus may include a
communication interface unit for connecting an earphone. In an
exemplary implementation, the communication interface may be
provided on a side facing a side including a single button as
illustrated in FIG. 2B.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, a user's selection signal may
be input in an input unit through a single button. Alternatively, a
user's selection signal may be input in the input unit through more
than two buttons or without a button.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a view to explain operation of a sensing unit
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, if a multimedia apparatus is disposed
on a flat surface, the pitch angle, roll angle, or azimuth angle of
the multimedia apparatus may be respectively changed by the
direction of an arrow.
[0064] The angle changed in a left or right direction on a flat
surface is an azimuth angle (i.e., a yaw angle), and the azimuth
angle indicates which direction the multimedia apparatus is headed
for.
[0065] The angle created as a flat surface is sloped left or right
is a roll angle, and the roll angel indicates left or right
gradient of the multimedia apparatus.
[0066] The angle created as a flat surface is sloped up or down is
a pitch angle, and the pitch angle indicates upward or downward
gradient of the multimedia apparatus.
[0067] The pitch angle, roll angle, or yaw angle may be calculated
using a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor. The
geomagnetic sensor is an apparatus for measuring and sensing the
magnitude and direction of terrestrial magnetism that cannot be
sensed by a human being. In general, a fluxgate geomagnetic sensor
that detects geomagnetism using a fluxgate is used. The fluxgate
geomagnetic sensor uses materials having high magnetic permeability
such as a permalloy as a magnetic core. The fluxgate geomagnetic
sensor measures the magnitude and direction of an external magnetic
field by measuring a second harmonic element that is proportional
to the external field generated in a coil winding around the
magnetic core. As the magnitude and direction of the external
magnetic field are measured, a current azimuth angle is detected
and a rotation degree may be measured accordingly. The geomagnetic
sensor may comprise a 2-axis or a 3-axis fluxgate. The 2-axis
fluxgate sensor is a sensor in which an X-axis fluxgate and a
Y-axis fluxgate cross at right angles, and the 3-axis fluxgate
sensor is a sensor in which a Z-axis fluxgate is added to an X-axis
and Y-axis fluxgates.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the yaw angle of the multimedia
apparatus becomes an azimuth angle. The azimuth angle of the
geomagnetic sensor may be determined using various operation
methods. For example, the azimuth angle of the geomagnetic sensor
may be determined using the follow Equation 1:
.PSI.=tan.sup.-1(sin .PSI./cos .PSI.) [Equation 1]
[0069] In Equation 1, .PSI. represents an azimuth angle, and cos
.PSI. and sin .PSI. respectively represent X-axis and Y-axis
fluxgate output values.
[0070] Meanwhile, the acceleration sensor refers to a sensor that
senses the degree of inclination of an object using gravity
acceleration, and may comprise a 2-axis or 3-axis fluxgate. If the
acceleration sensor is embodied as a 2-axis sensor in which an
X-axis fluxgate and a Y-axis fluxgate cross at right angles, the
pitch angle and the roll angle may be calculated using the
following Equation 2:
.psi.=sin.sup.-1(a.sub.y/g)
.theta.=sin.sup.-1(a.sub.x/g) [Equation 2]
[0071] In Equation 2, g represents gravity acceleration, .psi.
represents a roll angle, .theta. represents a pitch angle, a.sub.x
represents an X-axis acceleration sensor output value, and a.sub.y
represents a Y-axis acceleration sensor output value.
[0072] As described above, disposition of the multimedia apparatus
may be sensed using a 2-axis sensor, a 3-axis sensor, or other
various sensors such as a 6-axis sensor. In addition, various
sensors such as a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor may
be used.
[0073] FIGS. 4A to 4B are views to explain various operations
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 4A, in an exemplary embodiment, a first
reference disposition of a multimedia apparatus may be an
orientation in which a user faces an LED display area including at
least one icon of the multimedia apparatus.
[0075] In the first reference disposition, various orientations of
the multimedia apparatus may be explained with reference to a
button of the multimedia apparatus and an arrow indicating contact
with the button.
[0076] First of all, if the multimedia apparatus is oriented such
that a button is disposed in an upper direction (i.e., in the
direction of the +Z axis) in the first reference disposition and a
user presses the button, the current disposition state is sensed by
a sensing unit and the multimedia apparatus may perform an
operation of increasing volume.
[0077] Likewise, if a button is disposed in a lower direction
(i.e., in the direction of -Z axis) in the first reference
disposition and a user presses the button, the current disposition
state is sensed by the sensing unit and the multimedia apparatus
may perform an operation of decreasing volume.
[0078] If a button is disposed in a right direction (i.e., in the
direction of +X axis) in the first reference disposition and a user
presses the button one time, the multimedia apparatus may perform
an operation of reproducing next multimedia data, such as a next
audio file. In this case, if the user presses the button twice in a
row, the multimedia apparatus may perform the operation of changing
a folder with current multimedia data, that is, a storage unit to a
next folder.
[0079] Likewise, if a button is disposed in a left direction (i.e.,
in the direction of -X axis) in the first reference disposition and
a user presses the button one time, the multimedia apparatus may
perform an operation of reproducing previous multimedia data, such
as a previous audio file. In this case, if the user presses the
button twice in a row, the multimedia apparatus may perform the
operation of changing a current folder to a previous folder.
[0080] The operation of changing folders of the multimedia
apparatus will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.
7.
[0081] Meanwhile, a second reference disposition may be an
orientation in which a user faces a button of the multimedia
apparatus. If the user presses a button one time in the second
reference disposition, the multimedia apparatus may perform a
reproducing operation, and if the user presses the button twice in
a row, the multimedia apparatus may perform a pausing
operation.
[0082] The remaining operations will be explained with reference to
FIG. 4B.
[0083] For example, if a user presses a button for more than two
seconds, the multimedia apparatus may switch power on or off.
[0084] In addition, if a user shakes the multimedia apparatus, the
multimedia apparatus may sequentially change from a normal play
mode, to a shuffle play mode, to a fast play mode, and to a slow
play mode.
[0085] In addition, if a user snaps the multimedia apparatus, the
multimedia apparatus may perform an operation of providing an audio
guide through an earphone that can communicate with an audio output
unit of the multimedia apparatus either via a wired connection or
wirelessly.
[0086] If the operation of changing a play mode of the multimedia
apparatus is performed by shaking the multimedia apparatus for a
prolonged period of time, the operation of providing an audio guide
may be performed by shaking the multimedia apparatus for a short
period of time.
[0087] Meanwhile, if a button is disposed in an upper direction (in
the direction of +Z axis) in the first reference disposition and a
user presses the button, the current disposition state is sensed by
the sensing unit and the multimedia apparatus may perform the
operation of increasing volume.
[0088] However, since no operation corresponding to a user's motion
of pressing the button twice in a row while the multimedia
apparatus performs the operation of increasing volume is set in the
multimedia apparatus in advance, the user may map various
operations corresponding to motions according to his or her
preference.
[0089] For example, the multimedia apparatus may be set to map the
operation of reproducing multimedia data on a play list pre-stored
in a storage unit on the user's motion of pressing the button twice
in a row while the multimedia apparatus performs the operation of
increasing volume. The mapping information may be stored in the
storage unit.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the motion of pressing the
button of the multimedia apparatus has been explained as an
example. However, substantially the same operations may be
performed by touching the button of the multimedia apparatus.
[0091] In addition, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the input unit receives a
user's selection signal through a single button. However, the input
unit may perform the various operations by receiving a user's
motion of shaking the multimedia apparatus in the first reference
disposition or in the second reference disposition.
[0092] In addition, a user's selection signal may be input through
a plurality of buttons. For example, the multimedia apparatus may
pre-set a first operation, if there are two buttons, as a user's
motion of pressing a first button and a second button sequentially,
and a second operation as a user's motion of pressing the first
button twice in a row, and store the set operations in the storage
unit.
[0093] FIG. 5 is a view to explain operations of a display unit and
an audio output unit corresponding to various operations of a
multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, various operations of a multimedia
apparatus may be displayed through various icons in an LED display
area of a display unit according to various operations of the
multimedia apparatus, and various operations of the multimedia
apparatus may be provided as audio through an earphone which
communicates with the audio output unit or the multimedia apparatus
either via a wired connection or wirelessly.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 5, various operations of a display unit
and an audio output unit are identified. However, a detailed
description will not be provided as the operations may be
understood by one of skill in the art, especially in light of the
description regarding FIGS. 4A to 4B.
[0096] FIGS. 6A to 6B are views to explain an operation principal
of a multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 6A, a multimedia apparatus may perform
various operations as a user presses or touches a button of the
multimedia apparatus with his or her thumb.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 6B, the multimedia apparatus may perform
various operations as a user shakes the multimedia apparatus.
[0099] FIG. 7 is a view to explain an order of reproducing
multimedia data according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, a storage unit may include a plurality
of stratified folders. It can be assumed that the upper most folder
is a music folder in which audio files are stored.
[0101] When the multimedia apparatus performs an operation of
reproducing multimedia, the multimedia apparatus may reproduce
audio files first from among folders and audio files in an upper
most music folder and then reproduce files in a next folder.
[0102] The order of reproducing audio files may be determined in
various ways. For example, audio files may be reproduced in an
alphabetical or numerical order.
[0103] After all audio files are reproduced, audio files in folder
A may be reproduced first in an alphabetical order, and the audio
files in folder A may be reproduced in the order of folder a, b,
and c.
[0104] Subsequently, audio files may be reproduced in the order of
folder B, C, and D.
[0105] Image files and video files may be reproduced in
substantially the same way as the audio files.
[0106] The order of reproducing files may be changed arbitrarily by
a user. More specifically, the order of reproducing files in the
multimedia apparatus may be set or changed through an application
executed by an external apparatus (not shown).
[0107] FIGS. 8 and 9 are views illustrating an example of an
application of an external apparatus for setting or changing
various operations of a multimedia apparatus according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, the operation of changing various
settings of multimedia data of a multimedia apparatus or
reproducing multimedia data of the multimedia apparatus in advance
may be performed using an application executed by an external
apparatus (such as a host PC).
[0109] For example, if the multimedia apparatus is connected to a
host PC through a communication interface unit, an application
stored in a storage unit may be automatically installed in the host
PC. Alternatively, such an application may be installed in the host
PC in advance.
[0110] Various multimedia data may be reproduced or the operation
of temporary stop may be simulated using a tap item of a file
manager. In addition, a tempo analysis may be simulated as
illustrated in {circle around (6)}.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, a sound effect suitable for multimedia
data being reproduced may be selected, and a language output from
audio guide or a language of an application may be changed through
an item of a Digital Natural Sound engine (DNSe).
[0112] FIGS. 10A to 10B illustrate other examples of an application
of an external apparatus to set or change various operations of a
multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 10A, if a file manager tab is selected,
various folders of the multimedia apparatus may be displayed
through an application of a host PC. In this case, the capacity of
each multimedia file may be illustrated as `F` standing for `Full`
or `S` standing for `Small`. In addition, the capacity of a storage
unit and the capacity of an empty space of the multimedia apparatus
may be illustrated.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10B, an application of a host PC,
that is, an external apparatus, may provide a button for viewing a
video file, opening or updating a file, or analyzing tempo.
[0115] FIGS. 11A to 11B are views illustrating various exemplary
embodiments of a multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 11A, a multimedia apparatus 100 may be
connected to a wired earphone (B) through the communication
interface unit 160. In addition, the multimedia apparatus 100 may
be protected by a protection case (A) with various designs so that
the multimedia apparatus 100 may be kept conveniently and also have
better marketing effect.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 11B, the multimedia apparatus 100 may be
protected by the protection case (A), and be kept with the wired
earphone B in an earphone protection case (C).
[0118] Referring to FIG. 11C, the multimedia apparatus 100 may be
charged through an exclusive or a public charger (D).
[0119] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
an operation of a multimedia apparatus according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, the method for controlling the
operation of a multimedia apparatus includes receiving a user's
selection signal by an input unit in step S1210, and sensing
disposition of the multimedia apparatus by a sensing unit in step
S1220.
[0121] Subsequently, if a selection signal is input, a controller
performs different operations depending on each disposition in step
S1230.
[0122] According to the exemplary method for controlling the
operation of the multimedia apparatus, if a selection signal is
input by the input unit, user authentication may be performed using
user identification information such as a user's finger print.
[0123] According to the exemplary method for controlling the
operation of the multimedia apparatus, information regarding
mapping between disposition sensed by a storage unit and an
operation corresponding to each disposition may be stored prior to
step S1210.
[0124] According to the exemplary method for controlling the
operation of the multimedia apparatus, outputting an operation as
audio through an audio output unit or an earphone of an external
apparatus may be performed, and information regarding an operation
state may be displayed by a display unit after step S1230. To do
so, according to the exemplary method for controlling the operation
of the multimedia apparatus, the multimedia apparatus may
communicate with an external apparatus through a communication
interface unit. Descriptions regarding overlapped parts will not be
provided.
[0125] Accordingly, various operations of the multimedia apparatus
may be performed by a simple manipulation.
[0126] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and
their equivalents.
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